Iodine / povidone-iodine allergy

Reaction signs & chairside management

• Contact reaction to iodine-containing antiseptics

  A true systemic "iodine allergy" is largely a clinical myth; reported reactions are typically contact dermatitis/mucosal irritation from povidone-iodine itself, not iodine as an element, and do not reliably predict reactions to iodinated radiographic contrast.

  Clinical management: Avoid povidone-iodine pre-procedural rinses/antiseptics for this patient; use an alternative antiseptic (e.g. chlorhexidine) for any chairside disinfection step.